Vintage Japanese Ishi-usu Grain Millstone - 1930s Showa Era (25D-305)

Vintage Japanese Ishi-Usu Grain Millstone, 1930s, Showa Era (SKU 25D-305)

Hand-carved ishiusu grain mill from rural Japan, with original base and handle mount

This vintage Japanese millstone, or ishiusu, is a robust two-part stone grinder once used in farmhouses to mill grains or soybeans into flour and paste. The cylindrical upper stone sits within a broad, dish-like lower base, its hand-pecked exterior giving a rich, tactile surface that speaks to traditional stoneworking techniques. A central feed well and through-hole allowed grain to be slowly ground as the top stone rotated.

Retaining its original wooden shaft and square socket for a handle, this 1930s-style Showa era piece now makes a striking wabi-sabi accent for garden, genkan, or interior display. The weathered patina, softened edges, and visible grinding striations on the underside all testify to decades of everyday use, offering an authentic glimpse into pre-industrial Japanese rural life.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: Showa period (circa 1930s)
• Material: Hand-carved stone with wooden shaft
• Use: Traditional grain and soybean mill for flour or miso / kinako production
• Features: Two-part vintage Japanese millstone with textured hand-pecked surface, deep central hopper, original base tray, square handle socket, visible grinding grooves, and attractive aged patina
• Dimensions: 14" Diameter x 9"H
• Condition: Excellent vintage condition with age-appropriate wear, chipping, and surface weathering consistent with use

A characterful Showa-era stone mill that brings authentic farmhouse charm and sculptural presence to any Japanese-inspired space.

We use professional studio lighting to highlight the natural character of the wood. As a result, the tone may appear slightly warmer than under natural daylight.

All vintage and antique items are sold as-is. Each piece may exhibit signs of age, including scratches, wear, or minor imperfections. These are not considered defects but natural evidence of the item’s authenticity and age.